Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- To view the status of legislation that AzCDL is monitoring, visit our Bill Tracking page: http://www.azcdl.org/html/bill_tracking.html .

Thank you for your Action Center emails on HB 2095 (stopping HOA firearms restrictions) and SB 1077 (firearms on state lands)! We are working with the committee chairs to get these bills to move forward.

Meanwhile, we’re seeing progress on SB 1241, the AzCDL-requested legislation that would remove local control over the disposition of forfeited weapons. On Monday, January 30, 2012, SB 1241 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 5 to 2 vote with one member not voting.

Next week, on Monday, February 6, 2012, the following pro-rights bills are schedule to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee:

• SB 1304 would remove the authority of political subdivisions (counties, cities, towns, etc.) to restrict the discharge of a firearm within a quarter mile of an occupied structure. Currently it is possible for you to legally defend yourself with a firearm but be arrested for “discharging a firearm” under a local ordinance.
• SB 1448 would require state and local government property to have access “controlled or restricted by the presence of a state or other certified law enforcement officer, or an armed security officer” in order ban the carrying of weapons.
• SB 1474 is an NRA-requested Campus Carry bill that would allow CCW permit holders to carry discreetly on campus, but would allow college and university governing boards to prohibit weapons inside of buildings as long as “temporary and secure” storage for the weapon is provided.
• SB 1479 would reduce the penalty for entering state and local government property that bans weapons to a Petty Offense unless it is a “secured facility” (guards, metal detectors, etc.), then the penalty is a Misdemeanor. The bill also allows for court action when the government entity doesn’t follow the rules.

Over in the House, HB 2640, which would prohibit the Game and Fish Commission from limiting or restricting magazine capacity on any authorized firearm, has been scheduled for a hearing on Monday, February 6, 2012, in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, HB 2728 is scheduled to be heard in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee. This bill would prohibit the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from banning the lawful possession or use of sound suppressors when hunting.

If you would like to contact your legislator about these, or any other bills, our Legislative Action Center is available for your use. Go to http://capwiz.com/azcdl/home , click on your State Senator or Representative, then click on the “contact” tab and compose a message. If this is your first visit to our Action Center, you will need to provide your location to help you identify your elected officials.

The deadline for Senators to introduce bills was January 30, 2012. Representatives have until Monday, February 6, 2012 to get their bills filed.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: http://twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .
• These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization: http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Your help is needed to get these pro-rights bills heard in committee. Letters have been prepared and are waiting to be sent by you at AzCDL’s Action Center:

HB 2095: http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=60874501 .
SB 1077: http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=60877501 .

Last week, two bills protecting your right to bear arms were scheduled for committee hearings but were “held” without being heard. It’s time to shine some light on those committees and let them know these bills need to heard and voted on favorably.

HB 2095 was scheduled for a hearing in the House Government Committee on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, but was pulled from the list of bills scheduled for debate and vote. This AzCDL-requested legislation would limit the restrictions that a Home Owner Association (HOA) can place on firearms. A letter has been prepared and is waiting to be sent by you at AzCDL’s Action Center:
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=60874501 .

In modern day Arizona, it is difficult to not live in a planned community controlled by an HOA. In the Phoenix area, there are HOA communities bigger than some towns. Unfortunately, the laudable idea of establishing residential standards to optimize property values has a dark side. Social engineering has crept into HOA governing documents. In the not too distant past, racial purity was required in home sales. Still imbedded in many governing documents are requirements that residents must be unarmed as a condition of living in the community.

HB 2095 was drafted to allow the residents of HOA governed communities the same constitutionally protected right to bear arms they enjoy once they leave the boundaries of their neighborhood. If you live in an HOA community, please mention it in the “Editable Text” area of your letter to the House Government Committee: http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=60874501 .

SB 1077 was scheduled for a hearing in the Senate National Resources and Transportation Committee on Monday, January 23, 2012, but was pulled from the list of bills scheduled for debate and vote. This bill would specifically exempt from the state lands trespass statute the “lawful possession or discharge of a firearm while hunting, while target shooting, in self-defense or in defense of another.” A letter has been prepared and is waiting to be sent by you at AzCDL’s Action Center:
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=60877501 .

Somewhere over Arizona’s history as a state, the concept that the people of Arizona have a vested interest in state land got lost. Laws created to regulate mining and grazing have morphed into regulations controlling one’s mere presence on state land. It is now a misdemeanor to be on state land without government permission. SB 1077 specifically excludes the lawful possession and use of a firearm on state land. If you hunt or like to shoot on state “owned” land be sure to mention that in the “Editable Text” of your letter to the Senate National Resources and

Transportation Committee:
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=60877501 .

If you believe that your right to bear arms does not have exception clauses for where you live or happen to travel in Arizona, then it is imperative that you get involved and let these committee members know how you want them to vote on these bills. This is not a time to let the “other guy” do the work. Like the quote at the beginning of this Alert says, if we don’t take any action, we lose.

Participation is simple and takes less than a minute. Click on the links provided, fill in the “Sender Information” then click on “Send Message.” The “Editable Text” area of the message allows you add any additional comments, or edit what is already there.

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization: http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom: http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- To see legislation that AzCDL is monitoring, visit our Bill Tracking (http://www.azcdl.org/html/bill_tracking.html) page.

As bills appear on this page, we will add our position (i.e., support or oppose), along with other relevant information. This page is updated daily.

Legislators have until February 6, 2012 to file their bills so many are still busy drafting legislation that affects your liberty. Meanwhile a few pro-rights bills have been scheduled for hearings next week.

• SB 1077 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate National Resources and Transportation Committee on Monday, January 23, 2012. This bill would specifically exempt from the state lands trespass statute the “lawful possession or discharge of a firearm while hunting, while target shooting, in self-defense or in defense of another.”
• HB 2095 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Government Committee on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. This is AzCDL-requested legislation that would limit the restrictions that a Home Owner Association (HOA) can place on firearms.
• HJR 2001 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. This resolution opposes the use of an international force on American soil that seeks to enforce any United States treaty that has not been ratified by the United States Senate.

AzCDL representatives will be monitoring these committee hearings and testifying if necessary. At this stage, we do not foresee any problems or a need to send emails to committee members.

However if you would like to contact your legislator about these, or any other bills, our Legislative Action Center is available for your use. Go to http://capwiz.com/azcdl/home , click on your State Senator or Representative, then click on the “contact” tab and compose a message. If this is your first visit to our Action Center, you will need to provide your location to help you identify your elected officials.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: http://twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization: http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- This is the end of the first week of the 2012 Arizona Legislative session.

Legislators have about a month to introduce their bills.

As this was being written, over 900 bills, resolutions, and memorials have already been filed. We sift through every bill to find proposed legislation that affects your right to bear arms.

To see legislation that AzCDL is monitoring, visit our Bill Tracking (http://www.azcdl.org/html/bill_tracking.html) page. As bills appear on this page, we will add our position (i.e., support or oppose), along with other relevant information. This page is updated daily.

After filing, all bills go through procedural reviews and votes. From there the Leadership in their respective chamber (House and Senate) decides which bills to assign to committees for further review. Once assigned, the chairman of that committee decides which bills will be heard before the deadline to vote on bills in their respective committees.

For good bills to thrive and survive in this environment, legislators need to be reminded that the citizens being affected by what they do are watching, and have an opinion on how they should vote. When legislators need to hear from you, we will send out an “Alert” and provide information on the bills that need your action, along with a link to a letter waiting for you to email from our Action Center (http://azcdl.capwiz.com/azcdl/home/) .

You don’t have to wait for one of our Alerts. If you would like to contact your legislator on any bill in the current session, you are welcome to use AzCDL’s Action Center: http://azcdl.capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/bills/ .

Stay tuned!

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: http://twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- President 0bama promised that he was going to implement efforts to erase your right to bear arms “under the radar.”

Now, he’s brought the fight to Arizona.

Using the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the 0bama administration has proposed banning recreational shooting in the half-million acres of Sonoran Desert National Monument.

BLM has released proposed plans for the future management of nearly 1.4 million acres located southwest of Phoenix, in parts of Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Gila and Yuma Counties.

Of that total, over 486,000 acres are within the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The proposals can be found at: http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/planning/son_des.html .

Two of the possible alternatives (“D” and “E”) propose closing the area to recreational shooters.

Presently, some 63 sites in the national monument are used by recreational shooters. The proposed plans also address other issues of importance to shooters and hunters, including the designation of roads and trails for motorized vehicles and areas that could be managed as wilderness.

If you ride, hike, hunt or shoot in the Sonoran Desert National Monument, you need to get involved in this planning process!

The public comment period is open through November 25.
Instructions for making comments can be found at: http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/planning/son_des.html .
Comments can be faxed or mailed to BLM, Phoenix District Office.

At the BLM website (http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/planning/son_des.html) you will also find a series of public BLM meetings, being held in October, to discuss the proposal to ban recreational shooting in the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Meetings will be held in Phoenix, Mesa, Casa Grande, Buckeye, Gila Bend and Ajo. We urge you to attend as many of these meetings as possible.

This is not the first time that the BLM has attempted to close an entire national monument to shooters, making no attempt to provide places for and access to shooting sites. The Ironwood National Monument shooting ban was defeated because of the outcry from concerned citizens (you!).

Together, we can defeat the 0bama administration’s proposed Sonoran Desert National Monument shooting ban!

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization: www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- With the passing of Aaron Zelman, not only did American freedom lose a great warrior, but JPFO lost its Founder and Executive Director.

At the proper time, the search began for a new Executive Director.

That person needed to be deeply educated in the gun rights battle, media savvy, politically savvy, and have solid firearms industry contacts.

There was also no doubt whatsoever that our new organizational leader needed to be one hundred percent “hard core no compromise” regarding the Second Amendment and the morality of self defense — just like JPFO.

We have found that person in Charles Heller of Tucson Arizona. Over the past month or so, as JPFO’s Rabbinic Director, I have worked with Charles on all of our JPFO projects.

Charles Heller New Executive Director of JPFO

Charles and I are of one mind with regard to JPFO’s course and strategies. Charles is a patriot, a true believer in American freedom, and a visionary of America’s great potential. I am proud to be working shoulder to shoulder with him at Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership. We stand together in the fight for your freedom!

Please join me in welcoming our new Executive Director, Charles Heller, and offering your blessings of success in his new role – www.jpfo.org/articles-assd02/heller-intro.htm

As always, thank you for your support. Shalom, Rabbi Dovid Bendory, Rabbinic Director, JPFO

About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.

JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org – Copyright JPFO 2011

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Late in the evening of Friday, April 29, 2011, Governor Brewer vetoed SB 1201, the AzCDL-requested bill that would have required state or local government offices wanting to ban firearms to provide security measures that ensure no one is capable of bringing in a firearm without detection.

The Governor’s veto means that for at least another year, all a state or local government office needs to do to disarm the law-abiding is to put up a “No Firearms” sign. Meanwhile armed criminals can continue to enter these facilities undetected.

We believe the governor’s recent vetoes of SB 1201 and SB 1467 (Campus Carry) have more to do with politics than principles.

While we are disappointed, we are not defeated. Politicians come and go, but AzCDL keeps growing. The passage of Arizona’s historic Constitutional Carry law was achieved by applying steady pressure during the terms of several Legislators and two Governors. Next year is an election year. We’re looking forward to it!

On the plus side, the Governor signed the following pro-rights bills that AzCDL requested and/or supported.

• HB 2006, the AzCDL-requested bill that repeals ARS 17-305 prohibiting the carrying of firearms in game refuges was signed by the Governor on April 27, 2011.
• HB 2146, the AzCDL-requested bill that removes the burden from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to approve CCW training courses, training organizations, and instructors, was signed by the Governor on April 13, 2011.
• HB 2645, formerly an AzCDL requested bill dealing with the disposition of forfeited weapons. This bill was replaced by a “strike-everything” amendment. The new language modifies the law related to the restoration of the right to possess a firearm by mentally ill persons. HB 2645 was signed by the Governor on April 28, 2011.
• SB 1334, a bill that prohibits political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance or regulation limiting the area of a lawful hunting event during open season, was signed by the Governor on April 29, 2011.
• SB 1469, a bill that strengthens current self-defense statutes by broadening the allowance for the use of force and provides greater protection for those forced to defend themselves from an attacker, was signed by the Governor on April 29, 2011.
• SB 1610, a bill that establishes the Colt Single Action Army Revolver as the state firearm, was signed by the Governor on April 28, 2011.

The general effective date of legislation signed by the Governor is July 20, 2011.

• These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization: www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The current legislative session officially ended on April 20, 2011.

The House adjourned at 5:21 AM. The Senate adjourned at 5:25 AM. AzCDL was there the whole time!

Since the session is over, the clock has been “reset” for any bill still being reviewed by the Governor. She now has 10 days, not counting Sundays, to make a decision on any bill on her desk. The deadline for the Governor is now Monday, May 2, 2011.

The presents a tremendous opportunity for you to contact Governor Brewer and urge her to sign SB 1201, the AzCDL-requested bill that says that if a state or local government office is going to ban firearms, then security measures must be in place to ensure that no one is capable of bringing in a firearm without detection.

Don’t lose this opportunity – It is critical that you contact the Governor today!

http://azcdl.capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=42008501

The following is the status of AzCDL supported bills that made it through the legislature and to the Governor this session.

• HB 2006, the AzCDL-requested bill that repeals ARS 17-305 prohibiting the carrying of firearms in game refuges, was sent to the Governor on April 20, 2011.
• HB 2146, the AzCDL-requested bill that would remove the burden from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to approve CCW training courses, training organizations, and instructors, was signed by the Governor on April 13, 2011.
• HB 2645 is formerly an AzCDL requested bill dealing with the disposition of forfeited weapons. This bill has been replaced by a “strike-everything” amendment. The new language modifies the law related to the restoration of the right to possess a firearm by mentally ill persons. HB 2645 was sent to the Governor on April 20, 2011.
• SB 1201, the AzCDL-requested bill that says that if a state or local government office is going to ban firearms, then security measures must be in place to ensure that no one is capable of bringing in a firearm without detection, was sent to the Governor on April 15, 2011.
• SB 1334, a bill that would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance or regulation limiting the area of a lawful hunting event during open season, was sent to the Governor on April 20, 2011.
• SB 1467, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill, was vetoed by the Governor on April 18, 2011.
• SB 1469, a bill that would strengthen current self-defense statutes by broadening the allowance for the use of force and provide greater protection for those forced to defend themselves from an attacker, was sent to the Governor on April 19, 2011.
• SB 1610, a bill that would establish the Colt Single Action Army Revolver as the state firearm, was sent to the Governor on April 20, 2011.

As we mentioned earlier, with the adjournment of the Legislature, the Governor has until May 2, 2011 to make a decision on the bills listed above. If you would like to contact the Governor on any of these bills, you may do so at the Governor’s web page: www.governor.state.az.us/Contact.asp .

For SB 1201, your letter to the Governor is waiting for you at AzCDL’s Action Center:
http://azcdl.capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=42008501 .

SCR 1020, the AzCDL-requested proposed Constitutional Amendment that would protect crime victims from law suits by those who harm them, passed out of the Legislature on April 14, 2011 and was sent to the Secretary of State where it will be placed on the 2012 ballot.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization.

• Join AzCDL today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: WWW.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we send out updates via Twitter: WWW.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: WWW.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- SB 1467, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill passed out of the House Committee of the Whole (COW) yesterday (Thursday, April 7th) and was added to the Third Read Calendar where it passed by a 33 to 24 vote with 3 Representatives not voting.

The following 5 Republicans joined the Democrats in voting against SB 1467:

• Kate Brophy McGee (R-11)
• Heather Carter (R-7)
• Russ Jones (R-24)
• Bob Robson (R-20)
• Michelle Ugenti (R-8)

Maybe SB 1467, which prevents the governing boards of colleges and universities from prohibiting the “lawful possession or carrying of a weapon on a public right-of-way,” was too much for them? If so, how will they vote when presented with a more comprehensive Campus Carry bill?

From here, SB 1467 will be sent back to the Senate. Since no changes were made to the bill in the House, the Senate will send SB 1467 to the Governor.

Over in the Senate, HB 2465 passed out of the Senate COW and will be scheduled for a Third Read vote. HB 2645 was formerly an AzCDL requested bill dealing with the disposition of forfeited weapons. This bill has been replaced by a “strike-everything” amendment in the Senate. The new language modifies the law related to the restoration of the right to possess a firearm by mentally ill persons. It also adds retired peace officers to the “carrying of firearms by peace officers” statute.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

• A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .
• These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Your Legislative Action Center letter is waiting for you here: http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=40264501

We have just learned that SB 1467, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill is scheduled for debate in the House Committee of the Whole (COW) on Thursday, April 7, 2011.

SB 1467 originally would have prevented governing boards of colleges and universities from creating or enforcing a policy or rule that would prevent CCW permit holders from possessing a “concealed” weapon on campus.

On March 11, 2011, SB 1467 was amended during the Senate COW debate and subsequently passed out of the Senate by a 21 to 7 vote on March 14, 2011.

The amended SB 1467 prevents the governing boards of colleges and universities from prohibiting the “lawful possession or carrying of a weapon on a public right-of-way.” That covers streets, sidewalks, etc. open to public use. In cities like Phoenix and Tucson it’s almost impossible to not pass through a campus during daily travels. The new language ensures that you won’t be breaking the law by turning down the wrong street.

The amended bill is not everything we want, but it’s an improvement over the current law where only criminals can be armed on college and university campuses and law-abiding citizens can instantly become criminals by simply making a wrong turn in their travels. The amended SB 1467 is still a good step in the right direction. We support its passage.

Your help is needed to make sure SB 1467 passes out of the House COW debate.
Please immediately contact your Representatives and urge them to vote for the passage of SB 1467.

A letter has been prepared and is waiting to be sent by you at AzCDL’s Action Center:

http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=40264501

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The Legislature has been focused on budget issues.

As a result, the progress of other bills has been delayed. Among those are the bills that AzCDL is supporting. Listed below is the status of pro-rights firearms related bills that are still viable this legislative session.

In the House, the following Senate bills have passed out of committee and are awaiting further debate, review and action by the full House.

• SB 1201, the AzCDL-requested bill that says that if a state or local government office is going to post a “No Firearms” sign, then security measures must be in place to ensure that no one is capable of bringing in a firearm without detection.
• SB 1391, a bill that would authorize and direct the Governor to enter into interstate compacts with other states that have a “Firearms Freedom Act” like the one that was passed last year in Arizona.
• SB 1467, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill.
• SB 1469, a bill that would strengthen current self-defense statutes by broadening the allowance for the use of force and provide greater protection for those forced to defend themselves from an attacker. This bill also needs to be reviewed by the House Rules Committee before proceeding.
• SB 1610, a bill that would establish the Colt Single Action Army Revolver as the state firearm. This bill also needs to be reviewed by the House Rules Committee before proceeding.
• SCR 1020, the AzCDL-requested proposed Constitutional Amendment that would protect crime victims from law suits by those who harm them.

• In the Senate, the following bills are awaiting a Third Read vote before being sent back to the House.
• HB 2006, the AzCDL-requested bill that repeals ARS 17-305 prohibiting the carrying of firearms in game refuges.
• HB 2146, the AzCDL-requested bill that would remove the burden from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to approve CCW training courses, training organizations, and instructors.
• HB 2645, formerly an AzCDL requested bill dealing with the disposition of forfeited weapons. This bill has been replaced by a “strike-everything” amendment. The new language modifies the law related to the restoration of the right to possess a firearm by mentally ill persons. It also adds retired peace officers to the “carrying of firearms by peace officers” statute. HB 2645 must be debated in the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) before a Third Read vote.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Guns Save Lives Truck - Volunteers Needed

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- To counter Mayor Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) roving billboard that spews out anti-rights propaganda, the Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org/) has a “GUNS SAVE LIVES” truck touring the country to reveal the truth – that guns save lives.

The Guns Save Lives truck will be in Phoenix on March 24, and they are asking for volunteers to help them spread the word.

They intend on securing space in front of The Arizona Republic.

To volunteer, contact Thomas McKiddie Thomas.McKiddie@liberty.seanet.com .

Or call SAF at 425-454-7012.

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

Guns Save Lives Truck Brochure

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- SB 1467, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill was debated in the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) on Thursday, March 11th. It passed out of the COW, with a “do pass” recommendation, after being amended.

The amended bill prevents the governing boards of colleges and universities from prohibiting the “lawful possession or carrying of a weapon on a public right-of-way.” That covers streets, sidewalks, etc. open to public use. Since in places like Phoenix and Tucson, it’s almost impossible to not pass through a campus during daily travels, the new language ensures that you won’t be breaking the law by turning down the wrong street.

It’s not everything we want, but it’s an improvement over the current law where only criminals can be armed on college and university campuses and law-abiding citizens can instantly become criminals by simply making a wrong turn in their travels. The amended SB 1467 is still a good step in the right direction. We’ll continue to support its passage.

Anti-Rights Dirty Tricks
The anti-rights crowd has gone all out in Arizona this year to prevent teachers, staff, and students from having a safe learning environment. East Coast based national groups have beefed up their staff in Arizona. At the Capitol, they have spared no expense on lobbying, including holding a closed meeting with “freshmen” legislators in the House (AzCDL tried to attend but we were stopped at the door). On college and university campuses, they have conducted a series of fear-based indoctrination sessions disguised as “forums” to discuss Campus Carry.

Sadly, they have also exploited the victims of Tucson shooting tragedy in order to intimidate nervous legislators. And, their sycophants in the media have been lapping it up and spewing out falsehoods. It’s amazing how much they’re willing to spend to suppress efforts to restore a safe environment for your children when they attend a college or university in Arizona.

We expect SB 1467 to be voted on during a Senate Third Read in the coming week. We will keep you informed of its progress and alert you if the famous “persuasion” by AzCDL members is needed on this or any other bill.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Bill SB 1610, would establish the Colt Single Action Army Revolver as the state firearm.

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- On March 8th, the following bills passed during the Senate Third Read and have been sent to the House.

SB 1469, a bill that would strengthen current self-defense statutes by broadening the allowance for the use of force and provide greater protection for those forced to defend themselves from an attacker, passed unanimously by a 30 to 0 vote.

SB 1610, a bill that would establish the Colt Single Action Army Revolver as the state firearm, passed by an 18 to 12 vote.

Over in the House, HB 2006, AzCDL-requested bill that repeals the statute prohibiting the carrying of firearms in game refuges, passed during Third Read on March 9th by a 48 to 11 vote with 1 member not voting. It has been sent to the Senate.

Late Breaking News………
We have just learned that SB 1167, the AzCDL-requested Campus Carry bill, has been placed on the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) calendar for tomorrow, March 10th. AzCDL representatives will be monitoring the floor debate….

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Good news! SCR 1020, the AzCDL-requested “Crime Victims Protection Act of 2012” passed out of the Senate by a 21-9 vote on Tuesday, February 22nd.

That same day, it was sent over to the House for committee assignment, hearings and votes.

SCR 1020 is a proposed Constitutional Amendment that would protect crime victims from law suits by those who harm them. Assuming it passes out of the legislature, SCR 1020 will be sent to the Secretary of State to be placed on the ballot.

Currently, Article 2, Section 31 and Article 18, Section 6, of the Arizona Constitution, prohibit the passing of any laws that limit the ability of a person to recover damages for death or personal injury. Unfortunately, that means if you are forced to defend yourself or your loved ones with physical force, there is nothing in the law that prevents your attacker from suing you.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment would add exceptions from the “right to sue” for crime victims being sued for damages by their attackers who sustain harm when engaging in a felony offense.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Citizens Defense League has made available their newest February 2011 Newsletter Available Online for members and supporters.

This edition of the newsletter talks about the bills we’re monitoring this session.

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

Arizona Citizens Defense League February 2011 Newsletter

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The Senate Judiciary Committee will be meeting on Monday, February 14, 2011. On their agenda are the following bills that AzCDL is supporting.

SB 1467 – An AzCDL-requested bill that prohibits college and university governing boards from creating or enforcing a policy or rule that prevents CCW permit holders from possessing a “concealed” weapon on campus.

SB 1469 – (Postponed from the 2/7/11 agenda). This bill would strengthen the statutes regarding the justification of the use of force. It would assume that a person who is unlawfully entering is presumed to pose an imminent threat, and that a person who is justified in the use of force is not subject to criminal prosecution.

AzCDL representatives will be monitoring the committee hearing and testifying if necessary.

At this stage, we do not foresee any problems and it there is no urgent need to contact these committee members. However if any of these committee members represent you, or if you would like to contact your Senator about these, or any other bills, our Legislative Action Center is available for your use. Go to www.capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/bills/ and click on the bill you want to comment on. Follow the instructions in the “Take Action Now” box. That should take you to the “Compose Your Own Letter” page.

Senate Judiciary Committee members can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/SJud2011 .

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these article alerts.

• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Two Senate committees met on Monday, February 7, 2011. Pro-rights bills were on their agendas and AzCDL’s representatives were watching and ready to testify.

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was dominated by an immigration bill that took hours to debate. Finally, in the early evening, the debate shifted to bills we had been waiting all day for.

SB 1201, the AzCDL-requested “omnibus” bill passed out of committee with amendments by a 6 to 2 vote, with Senators Gallardo and Sinema voting against it. The amendment dealt with issues unrelated to the central focus of the bill. SB 1201 would prevent the banning of firearms in “Public Buildings” (i.e., government owned or operated buildings and vehicles) and “Public Events” (i.e. events open to the public and licensed by the government) unless a number of conditions are met (metal detectors, armed guards, etc.) that ensure that an armed person cannot enter undetected. SB 1201 also allows for injunctive relief if Public Establishments or Public Events don’t obey the law, among other proposed changes.

SB 1469, which would strengthen the statutes regarding the justification of the use of force, was “held” and will probably appear on a future committee agenda.

SCR 1020, the AzCDL-requested proposed Constitutional Amendment that would protect crime victims from law suits by those who harm them, passed out of committee by a 6 to 1 vote, with Senator Sinema voting “No” and Senator Gallardo not voting.

Meanwhile, over in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Transportation …

SB 1334, which would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance or regulation limiting the area of a lawful hunting event during open season, passed out of committee by a 4 to 2 vote, with Senators Jack Jackson, Jr. and Olivia Cajero Bedford voting against it.

SB 1335, which would add jackrabbits, raccoons and predatory animals to the list of animals that may be taken at night, was held due to the moratorium on Agency rule making (necessary to implement the bill). It will be added to the budget process.

From here, bills that passed out of committees will be sent to the Rules committee for a final review before being sent to the full Senate for debate in the Committee of the Whole (COW), followed by a Third Read vote by the full Senate . Once bills pass out of the Senate they are sent to the House, where it’s “rinse and repeat” and the process starts all over again.

While pro-rights bills are progressing, the anti-rights forces are doing their best to exploit the January Tucson shooting tragedy by filing bills to punish law-abiding gun owners.

• HB 2691 – Would require that any person who sells 3 or more “high caliber” firearms to report the sale to the Department of Public Safety. “High caliber” is broadly defined to include almost all firearms.
• HB 2711 – Would ban magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds.
• SB 1060 – Would make fraudulent (broadly defined) firearms sales, retail and private, a crime of “racketeering.” This bill would effectively eliminate private sales.
• SB 1586 – Would require NICS background checks run on all firearm sales (including private sales) at any “firearm show” (broadly defined to include almost any gathering where firearms might be sold).
• SB 1587 – Would add community colleges and universities to the definition of “school” in ARS 13-3102.L.4, expanding the places where weapons are prohibited. Currently a “school” is K-12.
• SB 1588 – Would make it a crime to enter “any state building, including the House of Representatives wing and the Senate wing of the State Capitol building, carrying a deadly weapon.”

If you value your rights, this is not the time to sit on the sidelines. AzCDL’s success is dependent on the involvement of our membership. If you not a member – Join today! ! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these News Alerts.

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Please join us at the Arizona State Capitol on President’s Day, Monday, February 21, 2011, between 10 AM and 3 PM.

This is a chance to meet your legislators and show your support for pro-rights bills.

The Capitol complex is located at 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix Arizona: www.tinyurl.com/AZcapitol .

There are public parking lots nearby, next to the Wesley Bolin Plaza along 17th Avenue, between Adams and Washington Streets. If those lots are full, there is more public parking available on the west side of the Executive Tower, along 19th Avenue.

We encourage you to contact your legislators to arrange appointments while you are there. You can find your legislators at AzCDL’s Legislative Action Center. Go to wwww.capwiz.com/azcdl/home/ and enter your zip code and/or address if requested. If you have been to our Legislative Action Center recently, your elected officials, along with links to contact them, should already be available to you.

First impressions count! Business casual attire is recommended for those meeting with their elected officials.

If you are wearing a firearm, the Capitol buildings are considered “Public Establishments” and the storage rules apply. Lockers should be readily available.

Dave Kopp, AzCDL’s President and John Wentling, AzCDL’s Vice-president will be at the Capitol that day, lobbying for AzCDL-requested legislation, as always. Please look them up and introduce yourselves.

John will be there at 10 AM to greet you on the Senate Lawn in front of the Capitol. You can also reach him at (623) 373-3607.

For further details and information about AzCDL’s Lobby Day, please contact John at vicepresident@AzCDL.org or call him at (623) 373-3607.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Senator Ron Gould (R-LD3) has filed SB 1201, an AzCDL-requested “omnibus” firearms related bill. www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/1r/bills/sb1201p.pdf .

The bulk of this bill deals with “Public Buildings” (i.e., government owned or operated buildings and vehicles) and “Public Events” (i.e. events open to the public and licensed by the government) banning firearms.

Under current law, all they need to do to ban the carrying of firearms is post “No Firearms” signs and provide readily available storage. This has had the perverse effect of disarming the law-abiding while allowing those with no respect for the law to remain armed at will. Under the proposed law, firearms cannot be banned unless a number of conditions are met (metal detectors, armed guards, etc.) that ensure that an armed person cannot enter undetected.

SB 1201 also allows for injunctive relief if Public Establishments or Public Events don’t obey the law, among other proposed changes.

A list of the firearms and self-defense related bills, along with links, that AzCDL is monitoring can be found at our website: www.azcdl.org/html/2011_bills.html .

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Articles on AmmoLand.

• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: www.twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League Needs Your Help Persuading Legislators

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 Arizona legislative session officially starts on Monday, January 10, 2011.

A key to AzCDL’s success is our army of member activists (you!) who emphatically let legislators know how you want them to vote on pending legislation.

AzCDL is expecting to start the 2011 session with 4,000 members, most of whom have access to the Internet. That’s a lot of voices!

AzCDL’s Legislative Action Center is the tool for you to use in contacting legislators. If you go to www.azcdl.capwiz.com/azcdl/home/ and provide your location, you will find your legislators along with how to contact them.

As bills are assigned to committees for hearings, we will provide information on those bills, along with a sample letter you can use “as is” or personalize to your taste. In most cases, all you need to do is click on a “send” button. Our members have found this to be a very effective tool. Legislators pay attention when they receive thousands of emails politely urging them to vote for or against a bill. It was this type of activism that contributed to the passage of Constitutional Carry, and many other history making bills.

Another tool available to you is provided by the Legislature. It’s the Request To Speak (RTS) system. Once you have a user ID and password on RTS, you can log-on through the Internet and leave comments on pending bills. You are NOT required to show up and testify – it’s just one of the options. One of the advantages of the RTS system is that your comments are available to committee members during hearings. It seems to carry a little extra weight.

To obtain a user ID and password on RTS, you must be initially logged on using one of the kiosk terminals at the Capitol. If you would like assistance in accessing the RTS system, please contact Dave Kopp, AzCDL’s president (president@azcdl.org) or John Wentling, AzCDL’s Vice-president (vicepresident@azcdl.org) .

If you want to make difference, it’s time to take action!

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

• You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL , and during the legislative session, we’ll send out updates via Twitter: twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
• AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .
• These articles are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Front Sight Firearms Training Institute Gun Class

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Last April, 18 AzCDL members descended on Front Sight for a 4 day Defensive Pistol Class .

We were not alone.

Over 800 students from around the world trained at Front Sight that weekend. One class is never enough, so we decided to do it again this year. A typical class holds 40 students.

We’d like to have a class composed exclusively of AzCDL members, family and friends. If you would like to join us, please contact Duke (duke.schechter@azcdl.org).

In 2011, we plan on attending the 4 day Defensive Pistol Class that runs from Friday, April 15 through Monday, April 18. Since the weather is optimal that time of year, classes and hotels will fill up fast and we’ll need to start booking reservations early. If we get enough commitments, we’ll try getting a group hotel discount so we can all save money.

Why Front Sight? Most of AzCDL’s Directors have memberships there that enable us to train as often as we like, and we look for any excuse to improve ourselves. It’s as simple as that. We would feel honored to have you join us. This year Duke volunteered to coordinate the trip (no arm twisting was required for his return visit).

If you are already a Front Sight member, you know the drill for making reservations. If you won a “Gray” Front Sight certificate at an AzCDL annual meeting, this is a great opportunity to use it.

For first time attendees, don’t get scared by the “sticker price” of the class at Front Sight’s website. Deeply discounted certificates are available from other AzCDL members and can also be found on eBay (search: Front Sight Certificate). For more information please contact Fred (treasurer@azcdl.org) or simply reply to this message. If you have Front Sight certificates you are willing to sell, please let Fred (treasurer@azcdl.org) know.

Information about the 4 day Defensive Pistol class can be found at:
http://www.frontsight.com/courses/defensive-handgun-training-course.asp .
This is NOT boot camp or Rambo school and there’s no crawling around on the ground. This class is for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Fred (treasurer@azcdl.org) has been going to Front Sight regularly for the last 5 years. He will be happy to answer any questions you have about Front Sight based on his experiences. You can also learn more about the Front Sight experience here: http://www.frontsight.com/FirearmTraining/front-sight.asp .

Since Arizona no longer mandates training (minimum requirements = maximum achieved) to discreetly carry a firearm, this class provides an opportunity to exercise the RESPONSBILITY that comes with your right to bear arms. Whether you carry openly or discreetly you should never stop training.

Further discussion about this Front Sight class will be moved to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AzCDL_FS/ .
Feel free to join the discussion group, even if you are not attending.

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom

http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Kimber 1911 Team Match II in .45 ACP,

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The first is a Kimber 1911 Team Match II in .45 ACP, featuring extended ambidextrous thumb safety levers, dovetail-mounted adjustable sights with positive steel-on-steel click adjustments and high-ride beavertail grip safety for positive control. The suggested retail price is $1,535: www.kimberamerica.com/products/pistols/goldmatch/team_match_II/ .

The second pistol is a Springfield XD (M) .40 S&W pistol, 16+1 capacity, Tritium night sights, 3.8″ barrel, black Melonite finish, case, holster, double magazine pouch and two magazines: www.the-m-factor.com/html/specs_4.html .

Only 225 tickets will be sold for each firearm. Tickets are $10 each.

You can purchase tickets at upcoming gun shows, starting with “the” big gun show this coming weekend, December 3, 4 and 5 at the State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. Stop by the AzCDL tables (we have 2 for this gun show!), renew your membership, pick up some raffle tickets and get your very own Constitutional Carry Gold card.

You may also purchase tickets at AzCDL’s online store: www.azcdl.org/html/online_store.html .
Raffle ticket can be found right below the Constitutional Carry Gold cards near the bottom of the page.

Drawings will be held on March 12, 2011. The winner does not have to be present to win. However, winners must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, and must pick up the firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer.

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

John Hancock’s signature

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Sound familiar? It should. You’ve probably said something like that many times.

Why? If you’re reading this, chances are you belong to that select group of people who understand something that very few folks do these days.

And that is, quite simply, that our freedom is under attack. Serious attack, from a whole host of enemies.

So we, all of us, have become activists in the fight for freedom.

But what makes someone an activist?
I’m not talking about how Mr. Webster sees it. I mean how we see it, deep down in our bones. What is that quality that really makes someone an activist? I write letters, make phone calls, and send emails and lobby my legislators.

Lots of them. All the time. By now I’d bet most of them have a separate correspondence file all for me. I’d lay dollars to doughnuts that most of them are sick of hearing my name. But does that make me an activist? Nope.

I get involved. Really involved. I devote lots of time to various pro-freedom causes. In my case, it mostly goes to the Arizona Citizens Defense League as it’s President and primary lobbyist. I attend rallies. I march in protest. I sign petitions. I volunteer to help. I go to meetings. So does that make me an activist? Nope.

Let me step aside for a moment and ask a question. How many of you folks who are out there reading this have ever had the following happen to you?

You’re involved, you’re volunteering, and you’re out there on the front lines for the cause. You’re trying your hardest to convince someone else to join AzCDL, sign that petition, attend that meeting, or march in that protest. And they say,

“I’d love to, really, but I don’t want my name on a list.”

So you say, “Ah. You don’t want your name on a list. I see.” And you smile, and move on to the next person. But do you really see? I mean really, they don’t want their name on a list? And just what planet have these people been living on, if their names aren’t on any list yet?

Were you born in a hospital? Guess what? Your name is on a list. Do you have a Social Security number? It’s on another list. How about a Driver’s License? Yep, you guessed it, another list. Do you vote? Another list. Got a telephone? Another list. Checking account? Another list. Credit cards? Another list.

And the list of lists you’re already on gets bigger and bigger every day. And that brings me back to my original point. What makes someone an activist? For me, it’s one simple thing.

I want to be on the list!

Yep, you heard me right. I want to be on the list! Right at the top. In big, bold, 40 point type. So that whatever freedom stealing, control freak is monitoring the list can see my name without having to put on his reading glasses. Just like John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration of Independence.

Do you think when old Johnny did that, that he didn’t know what it meant? Do you think for one second that he never realized it would put him square in the sights of the most powerful ruler in the world? And did he hesitate for even one second? Nope. Why? Because old Johnny was an activist.

I want them to know my name. I want them to know where I live, what I do, who I associate with, and why.

I want them to know that this particular pain in the butt will never stop being one. I want them to know that I’m out there, watching, whenever one of their minions is getting ready to introduce some new rule or regulation that will tear another hole in the Bill of Rights. I want them to know that I’m going to be the first in line to expose their little schemes. And maybe most of all, I want them to know, deep down in their bones, that they can only push so far b e f o r e I p u s h b a c k !

I don’t want them to ever forget who I am, what I stand for, and the lengths that I will go to in order to preserve the freedoms that we were born with, and possess merely because we’re human beings.

So what makes me an activist? Simple. The desire to stay in sights of the powerful, so that those who won’t do so can sleep well at night, knowing that the knock on the door won’t come.

“Hi! My name is Dave, and I’m a profreedom activist. Make sure you put that down right at the top of your list!”

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- While all eyes were on the results of the November 2nd federal elections, our focus is on the outcomes of Arizona’s local elections. Who is working at the Arizona Capitol determines the progress of legislation for 2011.

So far things look promising for pro-rights legislation. Governor Jan Brewer, who was appointed Governor when Janet Napolitano left in 2009, won her bid for another term. Governor Brewer signed the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry legislation, among many other pro-rights bills in 2010, making Arizona the first state with large urban populations to restore the right of law-abiding adults to carry weapons, openly or discreetly, without first seeking written permission from the government. We look forward to working with Governor Brewer in the 2011 session.

Over in the Legislature, the Republicans picked up more seats, giving them a 21-9 majority in the Senate and a 40-20 majority in the House. Republican gains mean greater representation on committees. While the stronger Republican majority indicates a greater opportunity for the passage of AzCDL requested bills, it is not a guarantee. Just like there are Democrats who can be counted on to vote for pro-rights bills, there are some Republicans that subscribe to the notion that ordinary citizens can be trusted to tie their own shoe laces, but for everything else there is government. They may need that extra prodding that our membership is famous for.

Brightening our hopes a little further is the newly elected Senate and House Leadership. These are the people who determine who sits on committees, what committees will hear AzCDL requested bills, when bills get floor votes, etc.

In the Senate, Russell Pearce, the primary sponsor of the Constitutional Carry legislation, was elected as Senate President. Scott Bundgaard will become the Senate Majority Leader, and Steve Pierce will be the Majority Whip.

Over in the House, Kirk Adams was reelected as Speaker of the House, Andy Tobin was elected as Majority Leader, and Debbie Lesko is the new Majority Whip.

We congratulate the new Leadership and we look forward to working with them, as well as all legislators, on both sides of the aisle, in the 2011 session.

Even though the next legislative session doesn’t start until early January, AzCDL is already working on suggested legislation for next year. Soon, we will be meeting with potential sponsors, and the “sausage making” will begin. Constitutional Carry was only a starting point. Be prepared to become involved in the further restoration of your fundamental rights.

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom

http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Protect Arizona's Hunting & Fishing Heritage Vote Yes on Prop 109

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Today is Election Day, and, all across the nation, people will be going to the polls to exercise their right to vote.

Make sure that you, your family and your friends are among them!  Perhaps even more importantly, be sure that you are well informed on the issues that affect your rights, and where the candidates stand on those issues.

To assist you, AzCDL has assembled the voting records of sitting legislators on critical legislation affecting our rights from the past several legislative sessions, available at our web site:
http://www.azcdl.org/html/voting_records.html

Our political action committee, AzCDL PAC, has prepared endorsements and ratings of the various candidates for legislative and statewide offices, available here:
http://azcdlpac.com/endorsement.html

We generally do not take positions on ballot issues, as most of them do not pertain to our mission.  However, Proposition 109 is a proposed constitutional amendment that, when approved by the voters in November, will add hunting, fishing and the harvesting of wildlife as rights guaranteed under the Arizona Constitution.

We urge you to vote FOR the passage of Proposition 109 when you vote on November 2, 2010.

Recognizing your RIGHT to hunt and fish protects Arizona’s hunting and fishing heritage, and critical wildlife management practices, against the emotion-based bans that have been successfully imposed in other states.

Unfortunately, this seemingly non-controversial idea of protecting YOUR right to hunt and fish in here in Arizona has sparked a heavily funded campaign against Proposition 109 by primarily East Coast based, anti-rights groups wearing the mantle of “animal rights.” Their pockets are very deep.  They see Arizona as their next beach head in their war against humanity.  If they are successful in defeating Proposition 109, we can expect future voter initiatives and legislation calling for the outlawing of hunting and fishing.  Don’t let them win!

The Arizona Game and Fish Commissioners, who helped draft Proposition 109, have established a website to counter the myths and outright lies by groups opposing Proposition 109.  We urge you to visit their website:
http://www.commissionersyeson109.com/index.html .

AzCDL is a proud to be one of the many supporters of the “Commissioners Yes on 109″ campaign.
http://www.commissionersyeson109.com/supporters.html .

Once again, please be sure to get out and vote today.  This is a critical election when it comes to our rights. Remember, your vote is your voice. Use it!

These articles are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization.  Join today!  http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Congratulations! The response to AzCDL’s 2010 annual meeting of members has been overwhelming and all luncheon seating has been booked to capacity. We are expecting 400 attendees.

If you possess an annual meeting reservation ticket, that means you have a guaranteed seat at a table and a meal reserved for you. If you made your luncheon reservation by the September 25th deadline and have not received your ticket, please contact Fred (treasurer@azcdl.org).

If you have NOT made a luncheon reservation, we probably won’t be able to accommodate you. There will be no ticket sales at the door until AFTER all those with reservations have been seated AND we can confirm that there are open seats, probably not until after 1 PM. We also cannot guarantee that you will have a choice of meals, or that there will be any extra meals available.

Please do NOT arrive before Noon. Lunch is not served until 1 PM. Entry to the meeting is streamlined. If you have a ticket in your hand, you will be seated quickly.

We need volunteers! This is going to be a fun, but busy, meeting with tons of raffle drawings, a silent auction, entertainment and thought provoking guest speakers. We’ll also have table sales of books and AzCDL goodies. And, we could use a few more smiling faces to greet our members and help them get seated. If you would like to help make the largest ever gathering of AzCDL members a fun and memorable occasion, please let Fred (treasurer@azcdl.org) know.

Don’t forget! Wear a gun!

As with all our annual meetings, the tasteful open carrying of firearms is appreciated.

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- We just got word from AzCDL Secretary Charles Heller, attending the 2010 Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) in San Francisco.

AzCDL has been awarded “Grassroots Organization of the Year” for our success on Constitutional Carry and other bills this year. This is our third award from GRPC and we are very proud of our accomplishments! However, it was YOUR support and activism that resulted in AzCDL being recognized. Thank you!

Now, we have to work even harder! Get ready for next year!

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today!

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- The outcome of any election is dependent, not on how many supporters a candidate has, but on how many cast their ballots.

YOUR vote is critical to YOUR rights in Arizona!

It’s not just about the national candidates. Local races determine who you want to represent your interests at the Arizona Capitol in the upcoming sessions. Many times, local races are determined by just a handful of votes.

Thanks to pro-rights majorities at the state capitol, AzCDL has successfully fought for, and won, major restorations of your fundamental rights, the most significant (so far) being the passage of Constitutional Carry this year. Think about what it would be like if we didn’t have the votes in the legislature, or a governor not willing to sign these bills?

We have compiled information on state candidates to help you. At AzCDL’s website, you can find the 2010 voting records of incumbents (http://www.azcdl.org/html/voting_records.html) along with candidates’ responses to our Questionnaire (http://www.azcdl.org/html/questionnaires.html).

• AzCDL Political Action Committee (PAC) candidate ratings can be found here: http://azcdlpac.com/endorsement.html .
• These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Train Me Arizona Campaign Kick Off

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Article 2, Section 26 of the Arizona Constitution says “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state, shall not be impaired…” However, for the last 16 years the citizens of Arizona who wished to fully exercise their right to bear arms were required to seek written government permission, via a concealed weapons (CCW) permit.

On Thursday, July 29, 2010 all that changed when SB 1108 became the law in Arizona, restoring the right of law-abiding adults to bear arms openly or discreetly without needing a government permit.

However, exercising freedom comes with a cost – responsibility. Each of us is responsible to know the law, and to have the proper mindset, skills and ability that come with “bearing arms.” Proper and continuous training has always been our individual responsibility. The good news is that we no longer have to rely on government mandates to determine what training we need and should get.

To promote training in the skill at arms and the exercise of our fundamental right to keep and bear arms on a statewide scale, AzCDL is a partner in the new “Train Me Arizona” campaign: www.trainmeaz.com.

We encourage you to become involved also. This is the armed citizenry envisioned by our nation’s Founders – aware of our freedoms and exercising them responsibly. Remember, the nation, and the world, are watching Arizona. We have made history together. How we, as gun owners and activists, respond to the restoration of our right to bear arms, sets the trend for other states to follow. Wear this responsibility with pride!

For more information on the Train Me Arizona campaign, go to: www.trainmeaz.com .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Wonder how your elected State Representatives and/or Senators voted on key pro-rights bills this year?
AzCDL has posted their voting records at: www.azcdl.org/html/voting_records.html .

Votes monitored are for:

• SB 1108 – Constitutional Carry
• SB 1153 – Knife preemption
• HB 2307 – Firearms Freedom Act
• HB 2543 – Strengthened firearms preemption
• HB 2629 – Prohibits counties, towns, etc. from de facto “registration” related to temporary firearms storage
• HCR 2008 – Proposed Constitutional amendment; Right to hunt and fish

This is an election year. AzCDL members have an extra tool to support legislators who support your rights – our Political Action Committee (PAC). Campaign donations speak loudly to legislators seeking reelection. AzCDL’s PAC is a force-multiplier for your individual donation. No matter the size of your donation, when combined with hundreds or thousands of others, it WILL make a big difference. Please donate today! http://www.azcdlpac.com/contribute.html .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom

http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

(Alan Korwin, AzCDL Member and prolific author, whose books include The Arizona Gun Owner’s Guide, has been following the McDonald v. Chicago case closely. Alan’s extensive research and material were used in crafting AzCDL’s amicus brief for this case. The following is Alan’s synopsis of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision.)

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- The big headline in the U.S. Supreme Court’s McDonald v. Chicago gun-ban-case decision, handed down on June 28, 2010, is that the states are now bound by the Second Amendment — the right to keep and bear arms is “incorporated” under the 14th Amendment and applies to the states, under the Due Process clause used to apply other Bill of Rights requirements to the states.

Exactly how bound the states are is unknown, and will be the subject of endless debate and future court actions. No standard of review for acceptable laws is provided, although the extremely low and virtually meaningless standard of “interest balancing” that Breyer would like to see is apparently off the table. This leaves legislatures and lower courts to pretty much do as they please, and seek further SCOTUS clarification in the years to come.

The decision does however give the pro-rights forces a strong leg up at the bargaining table.

The very troubling sub-head of the story is that Chicago apparently will be free to act like Washington, D.C. did after Heller. Chicago under Mayor Daley is likely to do everything it can – including maneuvers that will be totally rejected as unconstitutional -- to keep its people repressed and deny, as fully as possible, the right to own, have and use guns for personal defense and other lawful purposes.

While we on the pro-rights side of the aisle had hoped for “reversed,” meaning the 7th Circuit decision saying we had no rights would be overturned, what we got was “reversed and remanded,” meaning the 7th Circuit will get another crack at the law, and do something to make it acceptable. If precedent is any gauge, they’ll do as little as they can, and be subject to another lawsuit and endless wrestling with our rights.

This extraordinarily event-filled day at the Court included Justice Stevens’ last day in public as a member, Justice Ginsburg’s husband’s death the night before, the beginning of Senate confirmation hearings for liberal High Court candidate Elena Kagan, and the much awaited McDonald decision, on this the last day of the current session.

Although some people had held out hope that Sotomayor, in her first gun case, would lean on her known respect for civil rights and find for the right to keep and bear, she turned out to be the leftist most expected, and voted for denial of rights in the 5-4 squeaker decision. She joined Breyer’s dissent, a masterpiece of odd reasoning and lack of appreciation for this fundamental right (based on a very quick overview). Kagan, cut from similar cloth, is likely to respond similarly if confirmed.

The McDonald v. Chicago decision is a 214-page document, with a six-page syllabus (the summary that precedes decisions), a 45-page decision of the Court written by Justice Alito, a 15-page concurrence by Scalia, a separate 56-page concurrence by Thomas, and two dissents — 57 pages from Stevens, and 31 pages from Breyer (joined by Ginsburg and Sotomayor), who includes a four-page appendix. That’s a lot of reading (116 pages of “you have rights,” 92 pages of “you should not”), and by the time you see this, news organizations will have moved on to other subjects, but I will have just finished figuring out what the Court actually said.

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Kimber 1911 Gold Match II Pistol

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- AzCDL is raffling off a Kimber 1911 Gold Match II in .45 ACP caliber, with a stainless steel frame and slide, 5″ match barrel, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and custom stocks.

We are also raffling a custom built AR-15 in .223 caliber, with an American Spirit flat top receiver, flip up iron sights, chrome lined barrel, adjustable stock, and picatinny rail forearm with forward grip.

Each firearm is valued at over $1500.

Only 225 tickets will be sold for each firearm. Tickets are $10 each.

We are raffling off TWO of each firearm. One set of tickets will be sold primarily at events in the Phoenix area and the other set will be sold primarily at Tucson area events. Again, for each firearm, only 225 tickets will be sold.

You can purchase tickets online at AzCDL’s “store”: http://www.azcdl.org/html/online_store.html . Please do NOT use PayPal to purchase raffle tickets – it is against their policies.

The winning tickets (4 of them) will be drawn at AzCDL’s annual members’ meeting on October 2, 2010: http://www.azcdl.org/html/annual_mtg.html . The winner does not have to be present to win. Members attending the annual meeting luncheon will also be eligible for a door prize drawing of a Ruger LCP pistol

Winners must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, and must pick up the firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer.

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- If you can spare a few hours we would deeply appreciate your help. AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our volunteers. These are great opportunities to educate the public about our hard won successes like Constitutional Carry (http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html).

• Douglas area volunteers, please contact Duke (duke.schechter@azcdl.org).
• Phoenix area volunteers, please contact John (jarosado@cox.net).
• Tucson area volunteers, please contact Tom (tom.woodrow@azcdl.org).

In July, AzCDL will be working the following events.

July 10 & 11 is the Crossroads gun show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.
Please contact jarosado@cox.net to volunteer.

July 17 & 18 is the Arizona Arms Association gun show at the Beaudry RV Center in Tucson.
Please contact tom.woodrow@AzCDL.org to volunteer.

Also on July 17th is a Tea Party rally in Douglas at the 10th Street Park.
Please contact duke.schechter@azcdl.org to volunteer.

If your AzCDL membership is coming up for renewal, you’ll save $10 if you renew at any event! It’s like getting paid to attend! Sustaining memberships also get a FREE AzCDL t-shirt. Not a member? Not a problem! You can join AzCDL at these events and still get the $10 discount.

And, don’t forget AzCDL’s annual meeting! If you join or renew your membership for $25 or more, you are entitled to attend AzCDL’s annual meeting on October 2nd for FREE. Details can be found at AzCDL’s website:
http://www.azcdl.org/html/annual_mtg.html .

A listing of upcoming Arizona gun shows can be found at:
http://www.americangunshows.com/GunShows/AZ-GunShows.htm .

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- You are invited to participate in the fifth annual AzCDL Independence Day Action Rifle Match. Celebrate Independence Day in a way that would make the Founding Fathers proud!

This year, the match is being hosted by the Pima Pistol Club (www.pimapistol.org/) in Catalina. The match is limited to 50 shooters, but there is still time to make a reservation if you act now.

Match information, location, rules and applications can be found at AzCDL’s website: www.azcdl.org/html/rifle_match.html .

Entry fee is $40 and includes a free AzCDL Basic Annual membership.  If you are already an AzCDL member, you membership will be renewed.  All proceeds (minus range and target expenses) will be donated to AzCDL.

Spend the day like a true patriot exercising your rights, supporting a good cause, and having FUN!

Awards will be handed out and a Prize Raffle conducted following range clean up.

All questions should be directed to Russell Phagan ( SinistralRifleman@hotmail.com )

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization.  Join today!  www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom: www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Firearms Registration Stopped in Mohave County AZ

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Glendale, AZ – -(AmmoLand.com)- On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, Governor Brewer signed HB 2629.

HB 2629 is a great example of how a few activists can make a big difference. It resulted from Mohave County being overly broad in interpreting the law requiring the storage of firearms when entering public (i.e., government) buildings. It seems a lot of extra record keeping was in place, in effect registering gun owners and their firearms.

Fortunately the process was videotaped by concerned citizens and shared with AzCDL and the legislature.

A House bill (HB 2629) was reconstituted by a “strike everything” amendment to address the issue. The new law prohibits a political subdivision from requiring or maintaining any permanent or temporary records related to the storage of firearms that contain descriptions (serial numbers, etc.) of firearms or their owners. The text of HB 2629 can be found here: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/hb2629s.pdf .

Included in HB 2629 is language that clarifies that “A person has no duty to retreat before threatening or using deadly physical force…if the person is in a place where the person may legally be and is not engaged in an unlawful act.”

The effective date of HB 2629 is July 29, 2010.

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• These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Join today! www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .
• AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom: www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org

Gunlaws.com

Scottsdale, AZ --(AmmoLand.com)- There is one reason Arizona pasted Constitutional Firearms Carry and one reason only why this got done – The Arizona Citizens Defense League.

That small handful of guys running this group, the two full-time volunteer lobbyists Dave Kopp and John Wentling, and the thousands of members who supported the effort with their tiny membership dues are exactly and precisely why our rights have expanded.

It was a deliberate, conscientious, focused and tireless effort from what must be a candidate for the best pro-rights organization in the nation. Get your friends to join, send a donation or buy a t-shirt or hat, attend the meetings, and in your little way, make a difference and preserve our rights. www.azcdl.org

One other tidbit — the NRA was rightfully nervous about this whole Freedom To Carry, permitless, no training, no red tape expansion of our rights. They dragged their feet at first, that’s putting it mildly, and I can’t say I blame them. An awful lot was on the line.

They wanted to be prudent. Limit exposure and risk. They have all their trainers to think about and that revenue stream. The chance of falling flat on your face in total embarrassment is a serious concern. The ease with which the antis might cast us as dangerous gun-toting (their media’s favorite slur) nuts is a real issue.

I personally debated hard with some of the top brass, and to their credit, they finally agreed not to fight the effort in Arizona, and eventually saw the light and got on board. Some gun owners like to pick on the NRA, but the NRA is going to be at the forefront of this battle. The Constitutional Carry issue does make sense, for them and for us. It will be a winner in some states, maybe yours, and does advance everything for which NRA members stand.

Yes, some of those members, steeped in darkness, or hooked on the government-permit feed trough, believe that red-tapeless carry is a bad idea. They crave government supervision. They want that permission slip in their wallet. They’ll learn, and come around. And continue to get fine training from NRA certified and other trainers because it’s the right thing to do, not because the government commands it. Appleseed is doing a phenomenal job in the training arena too, check them out while you’re at it. www.appleseedinfo.org

Gunlaws.com

Scottsdale, AZ --(AmmoLand.com)- Q: Why is the CCW permit being eliminated?

A: The CCW permit is not being eliminated — that appears to have been misinformation designed to scuttle the bill. The permit system remains completely unaffected by Freedom To Carry. The permit, its advantages, the training, reciprocity schemes, the classes, fees and taxes are unchanged. That all remains voluntary as it always has been. Anyone who meets that law’s requirements can apply. Shame on the “news media” that has repeatedly said otherwise.

Q: What’s the difference between Constitutional Carry and Freedom To Carry?

A: There’s no difference, they’re just two names for the same thing. Constitutional Carry, the more formal term, comes from following the Arizona Constitution’s provision that “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state shall not be impaired…”. Freedom To Carry (no government interference with the right to arms) refers to the next step after so-called Right To Carry (massive government interference with the right to arms).

Q: If people can just carry guns, won’t crime and gun problems skyrocket?

A: Half of Arizonans keep and bear arms now, without any of the CCW red tape and government supervision, and without any “skyrocketing” problems. Removing the requirement to only carry openly doesn’t change who people are or how they act, it just restores their rights. Restoration of rights and becoming mentally unhinged are not related — but the same arguments have been made everywhere CCW programs passed.

It’s commonly recognized that some folks, especially people who lean left politically, do seem to equate discreetly bearing arms and becoming unglued. Decades of experience however provide no evidence of any such behavior. Those concerns have been repeatedly proven false and often turn out to be irrational fear mongering. Government permission slips for the exercise of rights have not turned people into homicidal maniacs. Restoring the right to discreetly bear arms will not change people into something they are not, and brings the state into proper compliance with its Constitution.

Q: Can anyone carry a gun?

A: Anyone who could legally carry a gun previously can legally carry under this law, no more, no less. “Prohibited possessors” — criminals, illegal aliens and others forbidden to carry arms remain banned as always. The main change is that now a woman can put a handgun in her handbag without being subject to arrest for carrying discreetly without a government permission slip (and a man has equal right to carry a gun in any discreet manner — under a sport coat or shirt, in a pocket or pants holster, fanny pack, attaché case, etc.)

Q: Training is a good thing, why was it eliminated?

A: Training is indeed a good thing and it is not eliminated. Anyone can and should take as much training as they want, which is voluntary. What has changed is that you are no longer forced to take government-mandated classes, registration and taxes before you can exercise your right to carry discreetly. This is the same formula working in Arizona since statehood for open carry (which includes concealed carry in your home, business, land, vehicle (with some minor conditions), and in a visible scabbard or case designed for carrying weapons, or in luggage. Now that the half of the public that bears arms can do so discreetly, many experts expect statewide gun training to flourish.

Q: Won’t people shoot each other if they’re not required to take the training?

A: Twelve states currently issue CCW permits without a training requirement and they’re doing just fine. Half of Arizonans exercise their right to arms without government-demanded training and they’re doing just fine. The idea that you’re only safe if government requires training is statist, foolish and incorrect. That said, responsible people should get education and training for firearms—and swimming, machine tools, medical care, raising children, being married, owning a home, preparing food, writing articles, etc., without government mandates.

If government could require training for everything that has risk, your freedom would be evaporated and your government would be out of line. Government has no legitimate delegated authority in this country to be your nanny like that, or to require anything beyond the specific, limited delegated powers given to it in the Constitution and subsequent valid legislation. The fact that government has in many cases abandoned those constraints is part of why the Tea Party movement has gained such ground and, in some cases, driven the public out into the streets with pitchforks (figuratively).

Currently, 11 states issue carry permits without training and they’re fine (AL, DE, GA, ID, IN, MD, MS, NH, PA, SD, WA). Because Arizona recognizes all other permits, many of our snowbirds have been carrying under those permits, without problems.

Q: Why are children of any age going to be allowed to carry guns to school?

A: That is total nonsense. No such thing occurs. The bill has no effect on children. That appears to be part of a misinformation campaign designed to scuttle the bill. There is no change as to who has the right to keep and bear arms. School grounds are unaffected by the law. That question is typical of similar lies and disinformation used to defeat and mislead the public about many good bills that seek to restore our civil rights. It’s almost as bad as the lies told about blacks during the civil rights era of the 1960s. Almost.

Q: Will other states imitate Arizona and enact Constitutional Carry?

A: Many people hope so, and it has the backing of the gun-rights groups.

Arizona Enacts "Constitutional Carry" For Firearms

Gunlaws.com

PHOENIX, AZ --(AmmoLand.com)- With governor Jan Brewer’s signature on the new “Constitutional Carry” firearm law, Arizona becomes a beacon state for the nation on the gun-rights issue.

Arizonans, who have been free to carry firearms openly since statehood in 1912, will now be free to carry discreetly as well, without permits or red tape. Low-crime Vermont has had this freedom intact since Colonial days. The permit system remains in place but will no longer be required for discreet carry.

Alaska enacted a Constitutional Carry law in 2003, and Texas passed a limited version for traveling in 2007. Montana has enjoyed this freedom since 1991 on 99.4% of its land (outside city limits). These states experienced no increase in crime or accidents from the expanded freedom to discreetly bear arms in public. However, numerous dire warnings of “blood in the streets” preceded those new laws, but proved false. A list of circulating myths about the law, also known as “Freedom To Carry,” appears on AmmoLand.com following this article.

Arizona’s extremely strict laws on criminal misuse of firearms are unaffected by the new public freedoms, although a penalty for criminals got tougher. New language now makes concealed carry in the commission of a serious crime a felony. This led to support of the bill from police around the state. Formerly, that offense was a misdemeanor.

The intrusive government “permit” system in Arizona, introduced in 1994 with paperwork, approvals, fingerprinting, criminal-database listings, required classes, two mandatory tests, taxation and expiration dates to exercise “rights” is still available, but is now optional. Enormous police resources that could be going directly toward reducing crime have instead been diverted by the program into registering, regulating and tracking the innocent. About 3% of the public have signed up for the plastic-coated permission slips, though an estimated 50% of the state’s population keeps and bears arms. Official sources acknowledge they get millions of dollars per year from the permit taxes called “fees.”

“This new law brings rights restoration for the public, and an increase in freedom for law-abiding people,” said Dave Kopp, a lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League that requested and promoted the new law. “The people have the same right to bear arms discreetly that they have to bear arms openly, we are simply correcting statute to reflect that. If your jacket accidentally covers your sidearm, that no longer exposes you to criminal penalties.” A woman will be able to put a handgun in her handbag, go about her business, and not be subject to arrest.

The key changes in the law were made by repealing the infringing language in A.R.S. §13-3102, not by enacting new rules. A number of other changes were made in SB 1108, the bill that carried the Constitutional Carry law, and these will be described in plain English and posted by gunlaws.com next week. The new law will become effective 90 days after the legislature closes, or approximately in July.

“Opportunities for firearms training and gun safety can increase tremendously with this new law”, said Alan Korwin, author of The Arizona Gun Owner’s Guide, the book that describes the state’s gun laws in plain English. “Instead of focusing on a tiny percentage of the market willing to submit to the permit system, smart trainers can now offer Freedom To Carry classes to the general public. We’re anticipating Family Days At The Range and Constitutional Carry classes to spring up statewide,” he said. Removal of the $60 tax for the permit represents a significant discount, he notes.

“We sold The Arizona Gun Owner’s Guide by the truckload for five years before there was any CCW law, and expect to do the same now, though permit holders did become and will remain a segment of our business,” Korwin said. The Guide is now in its 24th edition, and a free update will be released shortly. The book’s publisher, Scottsdale-based Bloomfield Press, is the largest publisher and distributor of gun-law books in the country. www.gunlaws.com

The permission-slip system is unaffected and offers some advantages to citizens. Other states recognize the Arizona permit under “reciprocity,” which allows permit holders to carry firearms when in those states (currently 23 according to the Dept. of Public Safety).

In addition, since permitees are constantly monitored through the criminal databases DPS registers them in, they can shop at retail for firearms without undergoing separate FBI background checks each time they make a purchase. Also, some people just get a sense of security by having a plastic government “authorization” card in their wallets, and they enjoy showing it to friends.

Another CCW-permit benefit is the ability to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the restaurant itself doesn’t ban possession and the person doesn’t drink while there. Whether those various denials of rights will be eliminated in future legislation, making the general public equal to permission-slip holders, was unknown at press time.

Previously only people with government-permission cards in their possession could bear arms in certain parks. That ban was eliminated by a separate bill this year, which now makes permit holders and the general public equal.

According to MSNBC, some six million Americans have permits and carry discreetly. The fears of shootouts at stop lights, bullets for slow waiters and Wild West-style belligerence have been repeatedly proven false and dispelled as hoplophobic fantasies. Statistics have shown that crime uniformly drops when states reduce infringements on the right of law-abiding people to keep and bear arms. “Society is safer when criminals don’t know who’s armed,” according to the California-based civil rights group, crpa.org.

Sales of small easily carried sidearms and accessories are expected to increase with passage of the new law.

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Glendale, AZ – -(AmmoLand.com)- By now many of you have begun receiving responses from Senators Pierce and Tibshraeny about their votes to support the Cheuvront amendment, making it a class 4 felony to not check citizenship during a private firearm sale.

First we want to compliment the Senators for taking the time to respond to the over 500 emails they received over the weekend. However, we will continue to oppose the Cheuvront floor amendment to SB 1102.

Think about this for a minute.
For years there has been a constant drumbeat, mainly from Democrat legislators, to oppose all attempts to allow state and local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws, and civilian border watchers are demonized for reporting illegal border crossings.

Now those same legislators, who want to hamstring local law enforcement, are eager to transform everyday citizens into de facto immigration agents when they privately sell a firearm.

Does that make sense to you? Could there be another motive, like ending the private sales of firearms?

Regulation of gun shows has been a Brady Center priority for years. Ultimately, what the Brady Bunch wants is the total elimination of gun shows, but requiring any regulation of private sales is an acceptable first step: http://www.bradycampaign.org/xshare/bcam/stategunlaws/scorecard/2010releases/AZ.pdf.

The text of the Cheuvront amendment creates a new “misconduct involving weapons” violation for “selling or transferring a firearm at a firearm show without requiring the purchaser or transferee to provide proof of citizenship” and defines both “firearm show” and “proof of citizenship“. A violation of this paperwork error would be a Class 4 felony crime, just like child abusers, drug dealers, kidnappers and arsonists.

Note that we aren’t just talking about purchases here.
A “transfer” is just letting another person take possession of a firearm. Is that foreign looking guy about to pick up a gun on your table to look over? Handing your pistol to your buddy at the show so he can check it out? Better check for ID first, or you’re a felon.

“Firearm show” is defined as “an event that is sponsored, whether for profit or not, by an individual, national, state or local organization, association or other entity devoted to the collection, competitive use, sporting use or any other legal use of firearms and either of the following applies: (a) ten or more firearm exhibitors are participating. (b) a total of twenty-five or more pistols or revolvers are offered for sale or transfer.”

“Proof of citizenship means any of the following: (a) an Arizona driver license or nonoperating identification license issued after October 1, 1996. (b) a legible photocopy of a birth certificate that verifies citizenship and supporting legal documentation, including a marriage certificate, if the name on the birth certificate is not the same as the person’s legal name. (c) a legible photocopy of pertinent pages of a United States passport identifying the person. (d) United States naturalization documents. (e) the person’s Bureau of Indian Affairs card number or tribal treaty card number. (f) a legible photocopy of a driver license or nonoperating identification license from another state within the United States if the license indicates that the person has provided satisfactory proof of citizenship. (g) a legible photocopy of a tribal certificate of Indian blood or tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth.”

Let’s think about a few of these details for a moment. We are not only talking about the traditional “gun show,” where we take the family to the fairgrounds and look at the wares on display from the vendors most are licensed dealers required by federal law to perform background checks. No, if an “individual” decides to sell “twenty-five or more pistols” that her late husband collected over the course of a lifetime, she’d better be ready to check the citizenship status of everyone who comes looking to buy one, or it’s off to jail she goes, along with the drug dealers and child beaters.

How about that proof of citizenship?
Arizona issues driver licenses to legal resident aliens. So how does it qualify as proof of citizenship? How are you to know the difference? Isn’t profiling a bad thing? Then why are these legislators encouraging it? How about those other proofs? I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the foggiest clue what most of those documents actually look like. Someone could print one up in his basement that morning, and I would be none the wiser. Is the same government that would make me a felon for not checking for these documents going to bear some responsibility for educating me as to what I’m supposed to be checking for?

While the Senators are correct in stating that Arizona businesses must check the citizenship status of all employees, there are a few details they neglect to mention. One is that employers have access to a federal database to do such checks. Another is that is if businesses are discovered to have hired an illegal alien, they are subject to the loss of their business license. There are no criminal penalties involved. They certainly aren’t risking seven years in prison and a felony record.

Despite all the folderol about stopping the flow of guns across the border, the reality is that making felons out of people who are conducting a perfectly legitimate activity (i.e. the private sale of firearms), one that has taken place in this country for hundreds of years without any of this nonsense surrounding it, will do absolutely nothing to solve the crime problem, either in Mexico or in Arizona.

It sure does go a long way towards killing a good bill (SB 1102) that would restore the right of the people of Arizona to keep and bear arms any way they choose, just as the Founders intended.

Almost makes you wonder if that was the plan all along, doesn’t it?

That’s why this is very much a rights issue, not an immigration issue. If it was an immigration issue, there are plenty of immigration bills out there that they can attach this nightmare to.

Now, for some good news!

• SB 1153, the knife preemption bill, passed in the Senate Third Read today (February 22, 2010) by a vote of 20-9 with one member not voting. It has been transmitted to the House.
• SB 1168, the firearms preemption bill, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today by a vote of 4-3 with a recommendation for passage by the full Senate.

In related news, SB 2543, the House version of the firearms preemption bill, passed out of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee on February 17, 2010, by a vote of 7-1 with a recommendation for passage by the full House.

Both firearms preemption bills will be reviewed in their respective Rules Committees before proceeding to Committee of the Whole (COW) debates.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

About:
AzCDL believes that the emphasis of gun laws should be on criminal misuse and that law-abiding citizens should be able to own and carry firearms unaffected by unnecessary laws or regulations. AzCDL was founded by a group of local activists who recognized that a sustained, coordinated, statewide effort was critical to protecting and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. As a like-minded coalition of activists, the AzCDL founders were instrumental in the successful passage of the first major improvement to Arizona’s CCW (concealed carry) laws since they were instituted in 1994. Visit: www.azcdl.org